Perennial Flowers That Attract Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds are among the most beloved and fascinating birds in North America. Known for their iridescent colors, lightning-fast flight, and tiny size, these birds are a delight to watch as they flit from one flower to another. If you're looking to attract hummingbirds to your garden, planting perennial flowers can be a great way to do it. In this blog post, we'll discuss some of the best perennial flowers that attract hummingbirds, along with tips on how to care for them.

The Best Perennial Flowers for Hummingbirds

Bee Balm

Bee Balm (Monarda) is a popular perennial flower that attracts hummingbirds with its bright red, pink, or purple flowers. It's also known as Oswego tea or bergamot, and is a member of the mint family. Bee Balm grows best in full sun or partial shade, and prefers moist, well-drained soil. It blooms from mid to late summer, and can grow up to four feet tall. The leaves and flowers of Bee Balm have a pleasant aroma that repels insects, making it a great addition to any garden.

Columbine

Columbine (Aquilegia) is another perennial flower that hummingbirds love. It has delicate, bell-shaped flowers in shades of red, pink, blue, and white, which bloom in late spring to early summer. Columbine prefers partial shade and well-drained soil, and can grow up to two feet tall. It's an easy-to-grow plant that self-seeds readily, so you may find it popping up in unexpected places in your garden.

Salvia

Salvia (Salvia spp.) is a genus of perennial flowers that includes many species that are attractive to hummingbirds. The most popular varieties are the blue-flowered Salvia nemorosa and the red-flowered Salvia splendens. Both prefer full sun and well-drained soil, and bloom from mid-summer to fall. Salvia can grow up to three feet tall, and is also deer-resistant, making it a great choice for gardens with wildlife.

Trumpet Vine

Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans) is a woody vine that produces bright orange or red trumpet-shaped flowers that hummingbirds love. It prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil, and can grow up to 30 feet long. Trumpet Vine blooms from mid-summer to fall, and needs a sturdy support structure like a trellis or fence to climb on. Be aware that this plant can be invasive, so it's best to plant it in a contained area where it won't spread uncontrollably.

Tips for Caring for Perennial Flowers That Attract Hummingbirds

Plant in Full Sun or Partial Shade

Most perennial flowers that attract hummingbirds prefer full sun or partial shade. This means they need at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive. If you're planting in a shady area, look for plants that specifically tolerate shade.

Provide Well-Drained Soil

Perennial flowers that attract hummingbirds need well-drained soil that's not too wet or too dry. To improve soil drainage, add organic matter like compost or peat moss.

Water Regularly

Most perennial flowers that attract hummingbirds need regular watering to thrive. Water deeply once a week, or more often during hot, dry weather.

Fertilize as Needed

Perennial flowers that attract hummingbirds may benefit from periodic fertilization to encourage healthy growth and flowering. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

Other Perennial Flowers That Attract Hummingbirds

Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)

Black-eyed Susan is a popular perennial flower with bright yellow or orange petals and a dark center. It blooms in mid-summer to early fall, and prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)

Butterfly Weed is a native wildflower that produces clusters of bright orange or yellow flowers. It blooms in late spring to early summer, and prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

Coneflower (Echinacea)

Coneflower is a hardy perennial flower with daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white. It blooms in mid-summer to early fall, and prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

Liatris (Liatris spicata)

Liatris is a tall, spiky perennial flower with purple or white flowers that bloom in mid-summer to early fall. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

Phlox (Phlox paniculata)

Phlox is a fragrant perennial flower with clusters of colorful flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white. It blooms in mid-summer to early fall, and prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil.

FAQs About Perennial Flowers That Attract Hummingbirds

1. How do I attract hummingbirds to my garden?

To attract hummingbirds to your garden, plant a variety of perennial flowers that produce nectar-rich flowers in shades of red, pink, and orange. Provide a source of water, such as a bird bath or fountain, and avoid using pesticides or herbicides that can harm birds.

2. What kind of soil do perennial flowers that attract hummingbirds need?

Perennial flowers that attract hummingbirds need well-drained soil that's not too wet or too dry. To improve soil drainage, add organic matter like compost or peat moss.

3. How often should I water perennial flowers that attract hummingbirds?

Most perennial flowers that attract hummingbirds need regular watering to thrive. Water deeply once a week, or more often during hot, dry weather.

4. Do I need special fertilizer for perennial flowers that attract hummingbirds?

Perennial flowers that attract hummingbirds may benefit from periodic fertilization to encourage healthy growth and flowering. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

5. Can I plant annual flowers that attract hummingbirds?

Yes, there are many annual flowers that attract hummingbirds, such as petunias, impatiens, and zinnias. However, perennial flowers tend to be more reliable and long-lasting, so they're a better choice if you want to create a permanent hummingbird habitat in your garden.

Planting perennial flowers that attract hummingbirds is a great way to enjoy the beauty of these amazing birds in your own backyard. By choosing a variety of nectar-rich flowers in shades of red, pink, and orange, providing well-drained soil and regular watering, you can create a hummingbird-friendly garden that will delight you for years to come.